Kenya is accelerating its national digital skills agenda through an expanded partnership between the government, Microsoft and technology sector stakeholders aimed at increasing access to artificial intelligence and digital skills training across the country.
Speaking during a strategic engagement held on June 17, Principal Secretary for the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy John Kipchumba Tanui said the initiative will help strengthen Kenya’s efforts to equip citizens with the skills needed to participate in the digital economy. The meeting brought together representatives from Microsoft Africa, the ICT Authority and Pathways Technologies Limited, including Winnie Karanu, Skills Elevate director at Microsoft Africa; Jessy Maruti, CEO of the ICT Authority; and Joel Onditi, CEO of Pathways Technologies Limited.
A key outcome of the discussions was the strengthening of the partnership between Microsoft and the ICT Authority, which aims to expand access to AI and digital skills training through more than 200 Digital Hubs and Jitume Centres located across Kenya’s 47 counties. The initiative supports Kenya’s ambition of equipping 20 million citizens with digital skills by 2032 and aligns with several national development frameworks, including the Digital Superhighway Agenda, Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Government officials said the expanded training programmes are expected to create new opportunities in employment, innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth while helping prepare the workforce for emerging technologies.
As part of the broader digital skills agenda, the government is also encouraging participation in the AI Champions Recognition Programme, a national initiative designed to recognize individuals developing AI skills and applying the technology to address real-world challenges. The programme targets a broad range of participants — including students, educators, public servants, entrepreneurs, professionals, innovators and lifelong learners — and aims to strengthen Kenya’s growing AI ecosystem by connecting talent with opportunities while encouraging practical applications of AI across communities, businesses and workplaces. Registration is currently open to interested participants nationwide.
